Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers (2015) Board Game

Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers is a board game adaptation of the popular Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Released in 2015 by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, the game combines elements of strategy, combat, and fantasy in a tabletop format.

Game Components of Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers

5 painted Planeswalker figures: Gideon, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, and Nissa.

30 squad figures.

6 cardboard terrain boards.

2 plastic 3-hex sand tiles and 2 plastic 1-hex sand tiles.

2 ruins.

4 glyphs.

30 damage markers.

20-sided die and 10 6-sided combat dice.

15 army cards.

60 spell cards.

Turn marker and game guide.

How To Setup Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers

To set up the game, players first choose a Planeswalker and gather the corresponding spell cards, army cards, and figurines. The board is built using thick cardboard map pieces split into hex segments, following diagrams in the rulebook. Each player places their Planeswalker on a starting zone and sets up their spell card deck. Players shuffle their decks and draw a hand of 3 spell cards. The game is ready to start once all players have placed their figures and cards accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Selection: Choose a Planeswalker and corresponding cards and figures.

Spell Card Management: Draw spell cards, play up to 3 cards per turn, and manage hand size.

Army Card Activation: Choose an activated Army card to use each turn.

Summoning: Summon squads or heroes from the Reserve by playing cards.

Movement: Move figures based on their movement values, avoiding opponent’s figures.

Combat: Attack using battle dice, considering modifiers from height, special abilities, and glyphs.

Objective: The goal is to be the last player standing or complete scenario objectives.

Player Experience

Players enjoy a mix of strategy and luck as they engage in tactical battles. The game is relatively short, with 1v1 games lasting 30-45 minutes and games with more players extending up to 150 minutes. While the game has its own unique mechanics, it is often compared to Heroscape due to its modular board and figure-based combat. Players appreciate the customization options and the ability to set up traps and combos using the spell cards. However, some criticize the lack of deckbuilding, a core aspect of traditional Magic: The Gathering.

Pros

Customizable Battlefield: Modular board allows for different battle scenarios.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Games are relatively short and action-packed.

Strategic Depth: Combines luck and strategy, especially with spell card management.

Accessible: No prior Magic: The Gathering knowledge is required to play.

Customization Options: Players can enhance the game with additional terrain and expansions.

Cons

Limited Deckbuilding: Unlike traditional Magic: The Gathering, there is no deckbuilding aspect.

Quality of Components: Some players find the terrain and figures to be of lower quality.

Rules Complexity: The rules can be hard to pick up initially, with some interactions feeling overlooked or missing from the rulebook.

Personal Thoughts on Magic: The Gathering – Arena of the Planeswalkers

This game is ideal for fans of tactical board games and those looking for a Magic: The Gathering experience without the complexity of the card game. It’s great for newcomers to the franchise as well as veteran players seeking a different way to engage with the Magic universe. While it may not replace the traditional Magic: The Gathering experience, it offers a fun and fast-paced alternative that encourages strategic thinking and customization. If you’re looking for a game that combines miniatures combat with magical elements, Arena of the Planeswalkers is definitely worth considering.

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